Monarchism in America

Great Britain's American colonies thrived for more than 150 years under a limited monarchial form of government. When the United States gained its independence, all the major nations of the world were monarchies. A few republican governments existed, but they were all small entities like the Swiss cantons, the Dutch "Republic" (actually a disguised monarchy) or a few Italian city-states. Certainly no true republic with a relatively large population and extensive… (more)

Great Britain's American colonies thrived for more than 150 years under a limited monarchial form of government. When the United States gained its independence, all the major nations of the world were monarchies. A few republican governments existed, but they were all small entities like the Swiss cantons, the Dutch "Republic" (actually a disguised monarchy) or a few Italian city-states. Certainly no true republic with a relatively large population and extensive territory had risen to prominence since the days of the Roman Republic. Why did the founders opt for such a form of government? Were there serious proposals for the establishment of a monarchy and who put them forward? Who were the candidates for a theoretical American throne? What have been American attitudes towards monarchy in the more than two centuries since the firm establishment of the republic? Monarchism in America considers these questions and uncovers some interesting ... and sometimes surprising ... answers.